As of February 2026, Niagara Region Chair Bob Gale is advancing a proposal to amalgamate Niagara’s 12 municipalities into either one single city or four larger cities. This restructuring is being justified by citing a 25 percent tax increase over the past three years and the existence of 126 local elected officials.

While some municipal leaders, including Welland’s mayor, Frank Campion, has expressed support for a four-city model in the name of efficiency, many others strongly oppose this proposal.

What Is Being Proposed

• Reducing Niagara’s 12 municipalities to either one unified city or four consolidated cities
• Restructuring local governance in the name of cost savings and efficiency
• Advancing recommendations to the provincial Minister of Municipal Affairs with limited consultation time provided to local mayors

Why This Matters

Supporters argue amalgamation could improve service delivery and streamline governance. However, any restructuring of this magnitude must be transparent, evidence-based, and driven by meaningful public consultation, not rushed timelines.

With concerns that the province could move quickly before the next municipal election, residents deserve a clear voice in shaping the future of Niagara.

In Hamilton Norfolk there was an amalgamation but the people were so unhappy that it was reversed within a few years, this amalgamation isn't better for anyone and will only result in small towns losing their identity. Why bother doing this when it's going to be reversed in a few years because of how unhappy people will be.

Sign this petition to demand transparency, proper consultation, and protection of local representation before any forced amalgamation moves forward.